Welcome to SBE Chapter 37
We're Glad You're Here!
About Us
SBE Chapter 37 is a group of broadcast engineers and multimedia technology professionals based in and near Washington, DC
Chapter 37 Events
We're Always Planning Something Cool. Check Out Our Events!
SBE News
All the SBE National news that's fit to print.
About SBE Chapter 37
SBE Chapter 37 is a local, Washington, DC-based professional organization of friendly radio, television, and multimedia technology professionals. Our group includes local, national, and international network technicians, consulting engineers, electronics manufacturers, and Federal employees working in media and broadcasting positions. If that describes you, you’re welcome to attend one of our meetings or join our group!
Most of our members live, work, or have roots in Washington, DC or the nearby Maryland or Virginia Suburbs. We meet most months to exchange ideas, increase our skill levels, and (sometimes) just to socialize. Chapter 37 is part of the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), the only organization devoted to the advancement of all levels and types of broadcast engineering. With nearly 5,000 members and 114 local chapters worldwide, the SBE provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and the sharing of information to help media professionals keep pace with our rapidly changing industry. The SBE amplifies the voices of broadcast engineers by validating skills with professional certification, offering educational opportunities to maintain and expand those skills, and speaking out on technical regulatory issues that affect how you work.
Regardless of your area of broadcast interest, you are sure to find a warm welcome at the Washington DC Chapter of the Society of Broadcast Engineers. Please join us at our next meeting and try us out for size. We hope you will enjoy your visit.
SBE Chapter 37 Current Events
with Megan Clappe, SBE Certification Director of The Society of Broadcast Engineers
From: The Society of Broadcast Engineers
What: CertConnect: 50 Years of SBE Certification
When: July 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting - Register Here
Sponsors: Sublight Engineering PLLC and Vertical Technology Services
The SBE Program of Certification was created in November 1975, so 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the Program. To mark the event, the SBE is encouraging chapters to present a meeting all about SBE Certification to mark the milestone. SBE is calling this CertConnect.
The SBE has prepared a video for Chapters to show at a chapter meeting, which covers the basics of SBE Certification: the various levels, requirements (if any) to apply, how to maintain Certification, and more.
From: Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc.
What: Tower Engineering & Analysis
When: August 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting - Register Here
Sponsors: Vertical Technology Services and Sublight Engineering PLLC
Anyone who manages a tower of any sort will from time to time have questions about it: Can the tower support an additional load from a new client? Can the existing mount support a heavier load from additional equipment? How is a tower analyzed? What triggers a new analysis? How does a tower get reinforced? How does damage to a foundation get addressed? How often should I inspect my tower? What type of maintenance do different types of towers require? How do I map a tower so I know where every cable goes? The list goes on and on.
When: September 26, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Where: WFED-AM Transmitter Site - Register Here
Address: 2015 University Blvd West
Wheaton, MD 20902 United States
Sponsors: Sublight Engineering PLLC and Vertical Technology Services
The SBE Chapter 37 annual picnic at the WFED (formerly WTOP) historical art deco transmitter site in picturesque Wheaton, MD will be held on Saturday September 26th, starting at 12 noon.
The picnic is an opportunity to meet with broadcast engineering friends along with their families, spouses, and significant others. As usual, we'll tell a few "war stories" and dine on traditional grilled picnic fare. Expect burgers, hot dogs, soda, chips, etc to be provided, and feel free to bring something to share with your fellow engineers if you wish.
with David Gates, Cory Edwards, Steve Wilde, Brian Kaplon, and Jeff Welton
What: AntennaFest 2026
When: October 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Where: WETA TV & FM - Register Here
Address: 3939 Campbell Avenue
Arlington, VA 22206 United States
Sponsors: Nautel , Dielectric , Cesium Communications , South-Tek Systems , and American Amplifier Technologies
AntennaFest is Back!
Join SBE Chapter 37 for a day long event about antenna systems, combining, and all things RF.
AntennaFest 2026 is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6th from 10 am to 6 pm at WETA Headquarters in Shirlington, VA. Representatives from companies including Jeff Welton (Nautel), Cory Edwards (Dielectric), David Gates (Cesium Communications), Steve Wilde (American Amplifier Technologies), Brian Kaplon (South-Tek Systems), and others will discuss topics ranging from RF basics, grounding, combining techniques, pressurization with dry air vs nitrogen, active transmission system monitoring and protection, interlock best practices, antenna & line sweeps, and system troubleshooting, and addressing the numerous variables and constraints unique to every project.
SBE Chapter 37 Recent Events
With Jay Tyler of Inrush Broadcast Services
SBE News
- SBE Releases 2026 Compensation Survey ResultsFrom April 1 to May 18, 2026, the Society of Broadcast Engineers conducted its annual compensation survey to determine salary levels and benefits among broadcast and media technology engineers. This survey provides a wealth of Read more…
- SBE Releases Updated Radio and TV Self-Inspection GuidesThe Society of Broadcast Engineers, the Association for Broadcast and Multimedia Technology Professionals, has released three updated Broadcast Station Self-Inspection Guides for AM, FM, and television stations. These revised Guides provide broadcasters with practical guidance Read more…
- SBE 2026 Membership Drive Draws 49 New Members
Each year, the Society of Broadcast Engineers, the association for broadcast and multimedia technology professionals, conducts a member recruitment drive. The drive calls on current SBE members to encourage their non-member colleagues to join the Read more… - SBE 2026 National Meeting
Held September 15-16, 2026 Madison Marriott West Middleton, WI The annual Society of Broadcast Engineers National Meeting will be held in Middleton, WI, on Sept. 15-16, 2026, in conjunction with the Midwest Regional Broadcasters Clinic, Read more… - Candidate Slate Announced for 2026 SBE ElectionsA slate of candidates for the 2026 SBE election has been assembled. The SBE Nominations Committee, chaired by Jeff Welton, CBRE, provided a list of candidates. Additional floor nominations will be accepted until June 21. Read more…
Get in Touch
Drop us an E-Mail!
Drop us an E-mail!
meet@sbe37.org